Salvation Army launching annual Christmas kettle appeal

The Salvation Army is gearing up for a challenging annual Christmas Kettle and Letter fundraiser beginning Friday, November 5th, with an official launch ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m., at the National Heroes Square in the City.

Salvation Army Divisional Commander, Major Brenda Greenidge, said there could be no downplaying the level of need presently facing less fortunate Barbadians, who are negatively impacted by a variety of ongoing challenges, not limited to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major Greenidge however noted that The Salvation Army remained confident that Barbadians both at home and abroad, could be counted on to come together, in the spirit of community which was a defining aspect of the Barbadian cultural identity.

“We know that difficult times have a way of bringing us together as a people, and that’s a major part of the beauty of the Christmas Season, in that it reminds us that when times are tough, we can look to each other and find strength in unity, and in service [to] God and to our fellowman.”

The major fund-raising effort will again have Scotiabank Barbados as the title sponsor, as the Salvation Army targets BBD$700,000 to fund its outreach programmes for the 2021 to 2022 period.

Friday’s launch ceremony will feature the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, and seasonal messages from the Hon. Cynthia Forde, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, and Paul Bernstein, Chairman of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, who will outline
the Organisation’s development goals for 2022 and onwards.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Maurice Norville. Full COVID-19 protocols will be observed. (PR)